Jay Mendes can't remember a time in his life when he wasn't interested in turtles and the reptiles' quirky habits.

Comment

By Brian J. Lowney

southcoasttoday.com

By Brian J. Lowney

Posted Feb. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By Brian J. Lowney

Posted Feb. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Jay Mendes can't remember a time in his life when he wasn't interested in turtles and the reptiles' quirky habits.

As a small boy, the lifelong Somerset resident often visited the pet department at the former Arlan's Department Store in Fall River, where he sometimes purchased small turtles that not only brought many hours of enjoyment, but also sparked an interest in animals that has lasted for almost 50 years.

"I would carry turtle books around when I was in junior high school," the amateur herpetologist recalls, adding that he later became fascinated by tortoises and other large sea creatures.

Jay, who works as the school food service director in Berkley, currently owns nine turtles of various sizes and species and shares the collection and his passion with his wife Bonnie, the popular director of the Somerset Public Library, who owned a box turtle as a child.

"Our sunroom has been taken over as a turtle room," Bonnie quips.

One of the most popular members of the couple's turtle collection is Sheldon, a handsome box turtle with a dark amber-colored shell that was purchased at a local pet store 20 years ago.

Jay spotted the small turtle, now the size of a large hand, resting in a large container with two other turtles. One of the reptiles was lethargic, another was already dead, and the third, which the turtle fancier quickly purchased, just needed some TLC, a new loving home and a knowledgeable owner.

"Sheldon charged across the container for food," Jay recalls, laughing, adding that the handsome turtle still has a good appetite.

According to Jay, the colorful creature hibernates during the winter, and buries his body in a mound of soil that fills part of large metal container. The habitat also contains grass and water.

"We know when it's going to snow," Jay tells, adding that just prior to the first snowstorm of the season, Sheldon digs and prepares his winter dwelling place.

"His body slows right down," the turtle owner continues. "When he comes out in the spring, he is ready to eat."

Sheldon currently shares the metal container with Sydney, another male box turtle. Because same gender specimens can be aggressive and attack each other, the couple keeps the turtles separated by a wooden divider. When they are not in hibernation, the turtles are fed a diet of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, apples and other healthy foods.

"They like strawberries," Bonnie notes, adding that the reptiles also devour worms that are purchased from a mail order supplier.

In warmer weather, the box turtles enjoy supervised playtime outdoors, where they hunt for worms and insects. Bonnie says the reptiles play separately to avoid backyard brawls.

Since Jay has developed a noteworthy reputation at school as a herpetologist, two teachers and a student have asked him to adopt red-eared slider turtles in need of a home.

While the species, which is native to the Carolinas, can thrive outdoors in temperate climates, Jay emphasizes that these turtles would not survive a harsh New England winter. As pets, these turtles become accustomed to being fed and don't thrive if they are released into the wild after living in captivity.

"They think food drops out of the sky," Bonnie says, adding that these creatures eat processed turtle food and worms. They live in a heated pond and do not hibernate.

Another interesting member of the turtle collection is Barry, a river cooter that has fits snugly into two outstretched adult hands.

The river cooter, a freshwater turtle species indigenous to the Carolinas and Georgia, also lives in a heated pond. While some scientists argue that these turtles are omnivores, Jay says that Barry thrives on a vegetarian diet.

The turtle, estimated to be 10 years old, was the size of a half-dollar when he was rescued, and has grown in a decade to be the size of a dinner plate.

Jay advises potential turtle owners to read books and reptile magazines, and to visit veterinary school websites to gather expert information before making a purchase. He adds that these animals require a correct amount of light, heat, and proper nutrition or they won't thrive.

Like parrots, these reptiles can outlive their owners, so the Mendes have made provisions in their will for the turtles' care. They've designated their son Davis, also a reptile aficionado, as the beneficiary of the collection.

"Don't get a turtle for your child unless you intend to care for it," Jay warns parents of small children who are mesmerized by these fascinating creatures.

Turtles, he says, like any other pet, require a serious personal and financial commitment in exchange for providing many years of enjoyment and interesting conversations.

Swansea resident Brian J. Lowney has been writing about pets over 20 years. He is a past president of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, an active dog show judge. All of Brian's columns are online in our pet section. Visit http://pets.SouthCoastToday.com. Email Brian: newsroom@s-t.com.